Zohran Mamdani’s New York Primary Victory Ignites Controversy Among Modi Supporters

Zohran Mamdani made headlines recently as he emerged victorious in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. If he wins the general election, he will be the first South Asian and first person of Indian origin to hold this position. However, this milestone has also drawn significant backlash, especially from supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Since his primary win, Mamdani has faced harsh criticism, particularly from the Hindu right. Some attacks have been overtly focused on his Muslim identity, with accusations flying that paint him as anti-India. This trend reflects rising tensions globally around religious identities, especially in the context of Modi’s controversial policies.

Kayla Bassett, from the Center for the Study of Organized Hate, suggests that the attacks on Mamdani signify broader issues facing Muslims in America. She believes it’s not just about one candidate, but part of a larger narrative that portrays Muslims as inherently untrustworthy.

Mamdani’s vocal critiques of human rights abuses in India—specifically regarding Modi’s record—have fueled part of this backlash. His stance on sensitive topics, including protests against the Babri mosque’s demolition and his refusal to meet Modi after past violence in Gujarat, have become focal points for his detractors.

Some have even attempted to dismiss his identity by questioning his connection to Hinduism, despite his mother’s Hindu heritage. Notably, a pro-BJP media outlet claimed he received funds from groups pushing an “anti-India” agenda, targeting his support base in New York City.

While opposition has been fierce, there’s strong potential for Mamdani to mobilize support among Indian Americans and other South Asians. The Pew Research Center estimates over 710,000 Indians in the NYC area. A breakdown of election data shows he performed particularly well in areas with high Asian populations.

Experts like Arvind Rajagopal view Mamdani’s success as “seismic.” His ability to connect across linguistic and cultural lines—speaking Hindi, Urdu, and Bangla—sets him apart in the current political climate.

The opposition faces challenges, too. Jagpreet Singh from the social justice organization DRUM Beats believes that the backlash Mamdani faces largely originates from outside NYC. Singh emphasizes that Mamdani has engaged authentically with diverse communities, striving to unite voters rather than divide them.

In a landscape where identity politics play a critical role, Mamdani’s ability to negotiate his position as a Muslim candidate from a mixed heritage might just resonate with voters looking for bold leadership in a divided era.



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